Australian Open live: Latest scores as Sinner discovers quarter-final opponent after ‘difficult’ test
Sinner did not have to face the same extreme heat but encountered some difficulty closing out the win as the defending champion returned to the quarter-finals
Jannik Sinner returned to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as he survived a late dip to defeat his compatriot Luciano Darderi in straight-sets to avoid another examination of his physical struggles, winning 6-1 6-3 7-6.
Sinner admitted he got “lucky” in his third-round win over Eliot Spizzirri as the defending champion was saved by the heat rule. Sinner was cramping and looked to be in big trouble before the tournament’s heat stress level enforced the closing of the roof, as the 24-year-old second seed recovered to close out victory.
After saving two break points in the opening game of the match, Sinner did not look to be in trouble against Darderi until late in the third set, as he was forced to fend off another four break points, and then had two match points saved, as he was dragged into a tiebreak.
But with Sinner appearing a little more uncertain as the match passed the two-hour mark, he ensured he improved his record against Italian opponents to 18-0 and will play either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere, another Italian is already through after Lorenzo Musetti defeated Taylor Fritz to set up a quarter-final clash with Novak Djokovic. Jessica Pegula ended the title defence of Madison Keys as she booked another all-American battle against Amanda Anisimova.
Follow latest scores and updates from the Australian Open, below
Ben Shelton levels fourth-round clash with Casper Ruud
A wild forehand shank from Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton breaks to take the second set and level the match! A roar from the American, who is looking to set up a rematch with Jannik Sinner after his defeat to the Italian in last year’s Australian Open semi-finals.
Casper Ruud wins first set against Ben Shelton
Casper Ruud has not reached the quarter-finals of a grand slam since his run to the French Open semi-finals in 2024. His previous best result at the Australian Open was the third round and he had just three top-10 wins last season.
But the 12th seed is a set up on Ben Shelton.
Iga Swiatek races past Maddison Inglis to reach quarter-finals
Iga Swiatek completes the women’s quarter-final line-up as the second seed breezes past Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis 6-0 6-3.
That sets up a mouthwatering clash with fifth seed Elena Rybakina - two absolute contenders for the title.
In fact, it’s a cracker of a quarter-final line-up in Melbourne. All six of the top seeds, plus Elina Svitolina and Iva Jovic.
- [1] Aryna Sabalenka vs [29] Iva Jovic
- [3] Coco Gauff vs [12] Elina Svitolina
- [4]Amanda Anisimova vs [6] Jessica Pegula
- [2] Iga Swiatek vs [5] Elena Rybakina
Jannik Sinner to face either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud in quarter-finals
A cracker coming up next on Rod Laver Arena as Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud, two in-form players, meet for the chance to take on Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.
“Fortunately these are opponents who I have played against already. I think I know them, but of course, they worked a lot, everyone is improving, so. It's gonna be for sure a very different match,
“I'm gonna check a little bit of the match. But most importantly is to recover. Matches can be very, very long, they can be very physical, so, depending also when you play, night or day session, you know, there's a big difference.
“Let's see what's coming. But I'm very happy to be again in the quarter-finals. It's such a special, special place for me, and of course we are trying to continue as hard as possible.”
Jannik Sinner admits he was feeling 'tight' in the third set
A huge sense of relief for Jannik Sinner and his team as he exchanges a warm handshake with Luciano Darderi at the net. Remarkably, Sinner has now won all 18 of his matches against fellow Italians at tour-level. Sinner and Darderi are good friends and practiced together in the off-season.
A huge sense of relief for Jannik Sinner and his team as he exchanges a warm handshake with Luciano Darderi at the net. Remarkably, Sinner has now won all 18 of his matches against fellow Italians at tour-level. Sinner and Darderi are good friends and practiced together in the off-season.
“We are good friends off the court. It's also that, a small difficulty to put away. I felt like in the third set I had a couple of great chances, I couldn't use them and then I got very, very tight, so I'm very happy that I closed it in three sets.
“I'm very happy. Tried to raise my level. I started off very well in the match and also how I closed it.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 7-6 (7-2) Luciano Darderi
From 0-2 down in the tiebreak, Sinner has upped his levels, bringing together his serve and forehand.
Darderi is overwhelmed and the tiebreak goes Sinner’s way after seven consecutive points, as Darderi’s backhand goes long!
Relief for Sinner! Another test passed.
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 (4-2) Luciano Darderi
Darderi cracks his racket off the court as Sinner wins the forehand exchange. Then the defending champion senses his moment to close the net and move 4-2 in front!
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 (2-2) Luciano Darderi
Darderi is taking on Sinner’s forehand with confidence, and jumps into a 2-0 lead. Out of nowhere, as Darderi prepares to serve, a baby in the crowd starts to cry!
Sinner guides the backhand winner and then finds a thumping ace.
TIEBREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-6 Luciano Darderi
One of the great tests of tennis is you have to get over the finish line, you cannot run down the clock.
Darderi is looking sharp now as he holds to love and forces the tiebreak. Sinner is still in a good position, but how he would love to win this and escape unscathed...
Jannik Sinner 6-1 6-3 6-5 Luciano Darderi*
Sinner sends Darderi running back towards the baseline and the tweener drops out. Sinner then explodes into the forehand to take the game - as he shuffles back to his seat. He’s into a tiebreak at least. Darderi will know he’s about to come under some more pressure as Sinner looks to wrap this up and get back inside.
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